When we were kids, the announcement that there would be a snow day was just about the most exciting news we could receive.

As responsible, job holding, oyster card-paying, commute-making adults, the news of snow makes us groan and head straight to the TfL website to check for the next onslaught of cancellations and delays.

And for most of us, staying at home is just not an option.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Britain's umbrella organisation for Trade Unions, has stepped in to fight the fight for city workers.

Today it released advice urging bosses to ‘use common sense’ during this week’s bad weather and not force employees to make dangerous journeys into work.

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The TUC has even recommended that employees should not lose out on pay due to the snowy weather, and that offices should crank up the heating to make sure work spaces are kept at reasonable temperatures.

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For example, when the snow causes problems on the UK’s transport network and for schools it makes sense for employers to allow staff to work from home rather than struggle with a lengthy commute to and from work.

And the TUC says employers shouldn’t withhold pay or force people to use their holiday as this is unfair on staff who’ve been kept away from work through no fault of their own.

Keep the office safe and warm

People travelling from more remote areas could be forced to make dangerous journeys (Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The TUC is also reminding employers to keep their workplaces safe during the current cold weather. The temperature should normally be at least 16°C (or 13°C if much of the work indoors involves severe physical effort).

And bosses should also ensure entrances to workplaces are gritted and not slippery.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “In some parts of the UK the snow and ice are causing disruption. It is essential that employers don’t force staff to make dangerous journeys just for the sake of being seen to be in the office.

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“For many people the conditions will have made their commute virtually impossible. Good bosses will already have bad weather policies in place so staff know what to do. But more employers now need to catch up to make sure their staff don’t lose out.

“Employers also need to be aware of the difficulties faced by staff whose children’s schools are closed due to the weather.

"Some may be able to take their children to work and others may be able to work from home. But those who can do neither need support and understanding from their employers.”

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